Happy August, ya'll! I know it's the 6th but I haven't chatted with you since July. Nikki's Magic Wand is moving along. We have been busy bees and I've got some updates for you.
QVC: When we last chatted, our intern had submitted us and we heard back from them. Since that time, I gave them a sample for their Quality Assurance area to review and we passed the review with flying colors. :) Next they needed an Inventor's Bio, some pics and a video, which we had to feverishly shoot so, now we're ready for the next step, being featured on QVC.com and having YOU vote, so get ready!
Style Week Pittsburgh: We are a "Chic" Sponsor for this inaugural event and I attended the kick off party at Spa Jema (www.spajema.com), which is a lovely spa in downtown Pittsburgh with amazing services. You MUST check it out. And GUESS WHAT???? The lovely Jennifer, who owns Spa Jema, is going to carry our Wands in her retail area. *Big Smile*. Style Week runs from August 7th to the 11th and I will be attending a number of the fashion, beauty events so maybe I'll see you there!
NY Fashion Week: This is only a month away (where does the time go????) so we're preparing to attend and VERY excited! As I mentioned, we will be in the celebrity gifting suite and I am very eager to see who will be there and I am claiming that we WILL make a connection with someone fabulous who will LOVE Nikki's Magic Wand so much that they will want to endorse it.
TV: I have a meeting with Tim from a local tv station here to discuss airing a commercial. That meeting is this Thursday, so I'll let you know how it goes AND I got this e-mail a few days ago:
_____________________________________________________________________________
Hi Nikki,
My girlfriend loves your product. Her mom, Myrna, sent her one...
I have been in the live TV business since 1987.
I wonder if you'd be interested in doing a two minute spot or selling on HSN or
QVC. I may be able to help. Please let me know if you're interested.
Best regards,
Tom
_________________________________________________________________________________
Can you see my Happy Dance? I read a quote today that said, " A woman who walks in purpose does not have to chase people or opportunities. Her light causes people and opportunities to pursue her." I really, really believe that because e-mails like Tom's are coming.
I had a recent chat with our Chinese liaison, Daisy and she shared that they're in a bit of a financial crunch over there so if you (or anyone you know) need some moldmaking and/or manufacturing done, let me know and I can put you in touch with Daisy. She is great to work with and I'd love to send some work her way if possible.
Well, I think that's it for now. As always, I thank you for reading and please keep checking us out.
I promise you, we're going to BLOW UP!
Nikki
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
I'm a STAR, baby!
You know how this blog is called "A 9 to 5 chick takes over the world," well I should change that to "A 7 to 7 chick takes over the world." Work has been, wow, I have no words for it but that's not what this is about. It's about the Nikki's Magic Wand journey and boy do I have some things to tell you!
First off, I am a TV star ya'll!!!! Well, ok, not really a star but I did do a segment on a local tv show and I must say, ya girl was quite comfortable and felt good because I really feel I said everything I needed to say. AND my granny said I looked pretty and professional so that's all that matters. :)
Second, GUESS WHAT???!!! Our fab intern took it upon himself to submit us to QVC's Sprout program and do you know they LOVE the Wand (their words, not mine). So, we have a chance to be placed on QVC.com, have people vote for us and then secure a purchase order from QVC!!!!!!!!! So you KNOW you have to vote, right? I'll let you know when.
Third, the "Magic Money Maker" program had a GREAT week last week. You remember what that is, right? You buy Wands from me at the low wholesale price and then sell them at the retail price so you earn back 100% on your investment. Shout out and thank you to Tanisha B. (our FIRST MMM), a lovely rep in Mexico, Chanel S., Esther C., Jackie W., Nicole W., and Alex M. We are REALLY pushing the program and our Magic Money Makers will be getting special incentives and promos so if you want to be one, (you know you do) contact me at nikkismagicwand@gmail.com or Inbox me on the Nikki's Magic Wand page on Facebook.
Fourth, Nikki's Magic Wand is a "Chic" sponsor for Style Week in Pittsburgh in August. It's the inaugural year so we are a presenting sponsor and very excited to participate in this fab event and spread the word.
FINALLY, GUESS WHAT?????? Nikki's Magic Wand will be at NY FASHION WEEK in one of the celebrity gifting suites!!!!! YES! We will be hobnobbing with some celebs, telling them about NMW and snapping pictures with them to share with you and the world! So very excited about that!
Well, I am pretty whipped but I HAD to come tell you everything that's happened since we last chatted.
Oh, one last thing, the super sweet Tori did a lovely review of the Wand since we last met.
Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OllpjzlvMnQ
As always, thanks SO much for reading,
Nikki
First off, I am a TV star ya'll!!!! Well, ok, not really a star but I did do a segment on a local tv show and I must say, ya girl was quite comfortable and felt good because I really feel I said everything I needed to say. AND my granny said I looked pretty and professional so that's all that matters. :)
Second, GUESS WHAT???!!! Our fab intern took it upon himself to submit us to QVC's Sprout program and do you know they LOVE the Wand (their words, not mine). So, we have a chance to be placed on QVC.com, have people vote for us and then secure a purchase order from QVC!!!!!!!!! So you KNOW you have to vote, right? I'll let you know when.
Third, the "Magic Money Maker" program had a GREAT week last week. You remember what that is, right? You buy Wands from me at the low wholesale price and then sell them at the retail price so you earn back 100% on your investment. Shout out and thank you to Tanisha B. (our FIRST MMM), a lovely rep in Mexico, Chanel S., Esther C., Jackie W., Nicole W., and Alex M. We are REALLY pushing the program and our Magic Money Makers will be getting special incentives and promos so if you want to be one, (you know you do) contact me at nikkismagicwand@gmail.com or Inbox me on the Nikki's Magic Wand page on Facebook.
Fourth, Nikki's Magic Wand is a "Chic" sponsor for Style Week in Pittsburgh in August. It's the inaugural year so we are a presenting sponsor and very excited to participate in this fab event and spread the word.
FINALLY, GUESS WHAT?????? Nikki's Magic Wand will be at NY FASHION WEEK in one of the celebrity gifting suites!!!!! YES! We will be hobnobbing with some celebs, telling them about NMW and snapping pictures with them to share with you and the world! So very excited about that!
Well, I am pretty whipped but I HAD to come tell you everything that's happened since we last chatted.
Oh, one last thing, the super sweet Tori did a lovely review of the Wand since we last met.
Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OllpjzlvMnQ
As always, thanks SO much for reading,
Nikki
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Bloggers, Vloggers and PR firms...Oh my!
Wow! I don't think I've let this much time pass between posts but I promise you, my life has been absolutely crazy. I thought of you often, wanting to have a moment to sit and share with you and I've finally grabbed a moment. There's plenty to share. Let's jump in...
Since May 20th, Nikki's Magic Wand has had the good fortune to have a VERY competent intern, Sean G. working with us. Sean understands our goals and in this last month, he has been doing a fabulous job! He has been reaching out to Bloggers and Vloggers, calling PR firms and Beauty Schools and getting us connected with companies that do gifting suites at celeb events. Sean has been the extra set of hands we so sorely needed. We even have him hooked up with our pal, logo guru Julie and she is showing him the website ropes.
In the last month, we applied for "Shark Pool" which is a competition for business owners, being put on by the African American Chamber of Commerce. We are happy to announce that we made it to the second round and are a bit closer to securing a cash prize! We are SUPER excited about that!
In the last few days, we have made a connection with the lovely Ms. Taylor, who is putting on Style Week here in Pittsburgh. Nikki's Magic Wand is planning on being a "Chic Sponsor" and super excited about being a participant.
AND, on June 29, I am hosting a1/2-versary Launch Party, where I've invited friends to BYOB and bring a buddy to network and also learn more about what women in our community are doing. I'm excited to have other business owners selling some of their wares so we can all support one another. The event happens in 9 days and I can't wait!
So, those are the updates but I want to take a moment to share some real thoughts and feelings with you. Nikki's Magic Wand has been open for business for six months now and boy has it been a ride thus far. I mean, we're in the White House for Heaven's Sake! I have learned that starting a business is an interesting thing. It really is, a lot of time, relying on the kindness of strangers. Yes, your friends and family come through (and boy have mine been SUPER supportive) but when people you've never met, hear your story, decide to tell another person, who ultimately buys your product, well, it's a feeling like no other. I understand that people buy and sell stuff every day but never before have I been invested in what people bought...only what I could buy. Times are tight and people are holding their money even tighter. That was THE driving force for me on 12/19/2009. I could not let this little lip-gloss best me and only give me 50-75% of what I paid for. No way. So six months later, I remain thankful, in awe that this is actually happening, all while growing this business so that Nikki's Magic Wand is a household name like Kleenex or Maybelline. You wait and see...it's gonna happen!
We'll flashback next time.
As always, I am thankful to you for reading. It means a lot.
Nikki
Since May 20th, Nikki's Magic Wand has had the good fortune to have a VERY competent intern, Sean G. working with us. Sean understands our goals and in this last month, he has been doing a fabulous job! He has been reaching out to Bloggers and Vloggers, calling PR firms and Beauty Schools and getting us connected with companies that do gifting suites at celeb events. Sean has been the extra set of hands we so sorely needed. We even have him hooked up with our pal, logo guru Julie and she is showing him the website ropes.
In the last month, we applied for "Shark Pool" which is a competition for business owners, being put on by the African American Chamber of Commerce. We are happy to announce that we made it to the second round and are a bit closer to securing a cash prize! We are SUPER excited about that!
In the last few days, we have made a connection with the lovely Ms. Taylor, who is putting on Style Week here in Pittsburgh. Nikki's Magic Wand is planning on being a "Chic Sponsor" and super excited about being a participant.
AND, on June 29, I am hosting a1/2-versary Launch Party, where I've invited friends to BYOB and bring a buddy to network and also learn more about what women in our community are doing. I'm excited to have other business owners selling some of their wares so we can all support one another. The event happens in 9 days and I can't wait!
So, those are the updates but I want to take a moment to share some real thoughts and feelings with you. Nikki's Magic Wand has been open for business for six months now and boy has it been a ride thus far. I mean, we're in the White House for Heaven's Sake! I have learned that starting a business is an interesting thing. It really is, a lot of time, relying on the kindness of strangers. Yes, your friends and family come through (and boy have mine been SUPER supportive) but when people you've never met, hear your story, decide to tell another person, who ultimately buys your product, well, it's a feeling like no other. I understand that people buy and sell stuff every day but never before have I been invested in what people bought...only what I could buy. Times are tight and people are holding their money even tighter. That was THE driving force for me on 12/19/2009. I could not let this little lip-gloss best me and only give me 50-75% of what I paid for. No way. So six months later, I remain thankful, in awe that this is actually happening, all while growing this business so that Nikki's Magic Wand is a household name like Kleenex or Maybelline. You wait and see...it's gonna happen!
We'll flashback next time.
As always, I am thankful to you for reading. It means a lot.
Nikki
Sunday, May 26, 2013
More Magic Money Makers!
Happy Memorial Day Weekend! I hope you're having a relaxing time. I just returned from a fab time in Orlando, FL with the husband, celebrating our 10th anniversary. I was able to unwind AND conduct Nikki's Magic Wand biz...best of both worlds. When we last chatted, I had just returned from the Michigan Launch and we had gotten news that we had a new Magic Money Maker (MMM), in MEXICO, no less. Well, we have since added another MMM in Orlando, FL. She has chosen to invest in NMW and herself by getting in at a low wholesale price and then selling Wands at a desirable retail price. It's a Win Win for her and she will make 100% back on her investment. Now that's awesome! You will be hearing more about the Magic Money Maker program soon, so stay tuned!
On May 20th, we had an addition to our team. Sean G. joined us as an intern and he's a gem! He's totally invested in NMW and has been rolling along. He starts his second week tomorrow and we have LOADS for him to do. We are excited and honored to work with such a bright dude. :)
I just got off the plane today, so this won't be a long one but I do want to flash you back quickly. Last we chatted about the past, we were in "Prototype Land." So, here was the goal; we needed to figure out the right formula to do the following things: have the stick be flexible but not too "bendy", have the tip sturdy enough to swipe the tubes clean but still be soft enough to apply directly to your face. We wanted the cap to fit snugly and we needed the logo to line up correctly. The liaison for the factory sent various tip weights so that we could choose which was best. Tip weight #110 was way too stiff to swipe well and didn't feel good on the face. Tip weight #65 was ok, but still not quite flexible enough. After many discussions and e-mails, it was determined that a Tip weight of #30-#35 was just right. I know you don't necessarily care about this detail but I wanted to share this because I promise you, I had ZERO knowledge about this previously and now look at me, spouting off Tip weight #s! :) Just trying to illustrate that we all have the capacity to learn things we never thought we would. Outside of the functionality, we had a very clear vision on what we wanted the Wand to look like. We wanted the exterior to be a high gloss black, with a gold logo. Let me tell you, there are SO many gold options out there! So many more than you would think! The final version of the Wand was being sent and we were READY to see it. I have to stop here and tell you about a crazy thing that happened. Well, long, sad, frustrating story short, the Wands ended up in Wisconsin and instead of the Wands, I received a decorative oar. Yes, an oar. I lost precious manufacturing time crying and screaming on the phone trying to get the Wands from Wisconsin while everyone was acting as if they didn't quite know what I was talking about. Well, they finally arrived, with a bronze (NOT gold) logo with a gap in the middle of the logo. I had been wrestling with all of these decisions and delays of choosing the right version and the official Launch was looming so I was weary and ready to just go forward with that but the best friend/business partner said, "Wait, this is not what we planned. We wanted gold, not bronze and we wanted the logo to come completely together when the cap is on. We have to go back to the drawing board." I gritted my teeth, postponed the Launch party again and we did just that. I have to share that taking our time and getting it JUST like we wanted was the BEST thing we could have done. I am very proud to pull my "baby" out of its perfectly designed box (thanks Julie) and show the world. We're getting closer and closer to when this Blog started and I hope you've been enjoying the journey with me.
I'm going to stop here.
As always, thanks so much for taking the time to read. You're awesome!
Nikki
On May 20th, we had an addition to our team. Sean G. joined us as an intern and he's a gem! He's totally invested in NMW and has been rolling along. He starts his second week tomorrow and we have LOADS for him to do. We are excited and honored to work with such a bright dude. :)
I just got off the plane today, so this won't be a long one but I do want to flash you back quickly. Last we chatted about the past, we were in "Prototype Land." So, here was the goal; we needed to figure out the right formula to do the following things: have the stick be flexible but not too "bendy", have the tip sturdy enough to swipe the tubes clean but still be soft enough to apply directly to your face. We wanted the cap to fit snugly and we needed the logo to line up correctly. The liaison for the factory sent various tip weights so that we could choose which was best. Tip weight #110 was way too stiff to swipe well and didn't feel good on the face. Tip weight #65 was ok, but still not quite flexible enough. After many discussions and e-mails, it was determined that a Tip weight of #30-#35 was just right. I know you don't necessarily care about this detail but I wanted to share this because I promise you, I had ZERO knowledge about this previously and now look at me, spouting off Tip weight #s! :) Just trying to illustrate that we all have the capacity to learn things we never thought we would. Outside of the functionality, we had a very clear vision on what we wanted the Wand to look like. We wanted the exterior to be a high gloss black, with a gold logo. Let me tell you, there are SO many gold options out there! So many more than you would think! The final version of the Wand was being sent and we were READY to see it. I have to stop here and tell you about a crazy thing that happened. Well, long, sad, frustrating story short, the Wands ended up in Wisconsin and instead of the Wands, I received a decorative oar. Yes, an oar. I lost precious manufacturing time crying and screaming on the phone trying to get the Wands from Wisconsin while everyone was acting as if they didn't quite know what I was talking about. Well, they finally arrived, with a bronze (NOT gold) logo with a gap in the middle of the logo. I had been wrestling with all of these decisions and delays of choosing the right version and the official Launch was looming so I was weary and ready to just go forward with that but the best friend/business partner said, "Wait, this is not what we planned. We wanted gold, not bronze and we wanted the logo to come completely together when the cap is on. We have to go back to the drawing board." I gritted my teeth, postponed the Launch party again and we did just that. I have to share that taking our time and getting it JUST like we wanted was the BEST thing we could have done. I am very proud to pull my "baby" out of its perfectly designed box (thanks Julie) and show the world. We're getting closer and closer to when this Blog started and I hope you've been enjoying the journey with me.
I'm going to stop here.
As always, thanks so much for taking the time to read. You're awesome!
Nikki
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Go West Young Woman.....WAYYYYYYYYY West!
Hi NMW Friends! I LOVE chatting with you, filling you in and boy oh boy do I have some things to share. We've been pushing along, growing Twitter followers, Facebook "Likes" and spreading the word on Instagram and Pinterest. Brand new glamour fans are finding out about Nikki's Magic Wand every single day. We've been very pleased with the progress.
This weekend was a stellar one for us. A dear friend, who has been supportive of us since the Wand was just a sketch on a page, hosted a launch for us in Michigan. It was held yesterday, at the gorgeous Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, MI. The guests were gracious and kind and bought lots of Wands. It was such a pleasure making new friends in Michigan and we had a blast, nibbling on such delish goodies as curry chicken tartlets and chocolate covered strawberries. The launch was a hit AND I got to see some of the sights in Michigan, which was a great bonus. After the party, my friend took me to a few spa/boutiques to tell them about the Wand, drop off a few samples and fingers crossed, they'll want to put them on shelves.
It was time to return home today and I was driving along, reflecting on the phenomenal weekend when I get a call from the best friend/business partner, who is crazy excited. She tells me that Nikki's Magic Wand will now be INTERNATIONAL! You will recall in my last post, I mentioned our new program called the "Magic Money Makers" where Conscious Glamour Divas (and Divos) can buy the Wands in bulk, at a discounted price, and sell them for a nice profit. Well, we have secured a new rep in MEXICO!!! Can you see me doing my happy dance? I am pretty sure my car floated the rest of the way home. This is BIG news for us because we are planning to really push this program and the fact that we now have a presence in Mexico just makes me want to cry. If no one ever told you or you haven't seen it with your own eyes, trust me when I tell you, DREAMS DO COME TRUE!
I won't flash back today because I want you to be in THIS moment with me. I am sitting at this computer so overwhelmed (in a good way) by this weekend's events. I am going to strive to hold onto this feeling for a good long time.
As always, I thank you for reading.
Nikki
This weekend was a stellar one for us. A dear friend, who has been supportive of us since the Wand was just a sketch on a page, hosted a launch for us in Michigan. It was held yesterday, at the gorgeous Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, MI. The guests were gracious and kind and bought lots of Wands. It was such a pleasure making new friends in Michigan and we had a blast, nibbling on such delish goodies as curry chicken tartlets and chocolate covered strawberries. The launch was a hit AND I got to see some of the sights in Michigan, which was a great bonus. After the party, my friend took me to a few spa/boutiques to tell them about the Wand, drop off a few samples and fingers crossed, they'll want to put them on shelves.
It was time to return home today and I was driving along, reflecting on the phenomenal weekend when I get a call from the best friend/business partner, who is crazy excited. She tells me that Nikki's Magic Wand will now be INTERNATIONAL! You will recall in my last post, I mentioned our new program called the "Magic Money Makers" where Conscious Glamour Divas (and Divos) can buy the Wands in bulk, at a discounted price, and sell them for a nice profit. Well, we have secured a new rep in MEXICO!!! Can you see me doing my happy dance? I am pretty sure my car floated the rest of the way home. This is BIG news for us because we are planning to really push this program and the fact that we now have a presence in Mexico just makes me want to cry. If no one ever told you or you haven't seen it with your own eyes, trust me when I tell you, DREAMS DO COME TRUE!
I won't flash back today because I want you to be in THIS moment with me. I am sitting at this computer so overwhelmed (in a good way) by this weekend's events. I am going to strive to hold onto this feeling for a good long time.
As always, I thank you for reading.
Nikki
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Tweet, Tweet, Tweet....
Hello! I MUST apologize for being away so long. You know from the name of this blog that I am a 9 to 5 chick and things in Corporate America have gone wild. I have been busier than ever before and by the time I get home (prime Blogging time) I am ready to pass right out. But, writing this blog makes me happy so I was excited to get a few moments today to sit down and fill you in. Last time, I mentioned that we'd hired a Digital Media Consultant (WGC Interactive) and let me tell you, that was one of the BEST decisions we've made. He has been growing our online presence and followers on various social media sites and we are just at the beginning of his action plan. Every time we get notifications of new followers on Twitter or Pinterest, we smile.
We have a few other things cooking too. We met with our business consultants over at The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (http://www.entrepreneur.pitt.edu/) and we discussed crafting a sales model that would include having sales reps for NMW. Let me tell you why I am SUPER excited about this and why you should be too. Think about it, you buy a bulk number of Wands (say 110 for $4.75 a piece---$522.50) do you know that by selling the Wands and charging $10 a piece (suggested retail price) you can make $1100!!!! How many other ways can you earn that kind of return on your money? It's a Win Win! You are selling people something that will help them solve a problem, save THEM money, and look beautiful in their bags, while YOU more than double your money. As we were brainstorming, I threw out the name, "Magic Money Maker." What do you think of that name? Seriously, I want to know.
We are also VERY excited about having an intern work with us this summer. There is nothing like fresh ideas and different ways of seeing things. This is how dreams come true. Collaboration and hard work!
One last update before I get into a flashback. Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending an event with my mother-in-law. Every few months, her group, the Grandmothers of Pearls, meet and get together to eat, socialize and have a speaker, movie night, etc. Well, I was honored to be invited to their gathering yesterday and told them all about Nikki's Magic Wand. These dear, kind grandmothers bought 21 Wands in 10 short minutes! I was so thankful for their support but also for the confirmation that this product is for EVERYONE!
Time for a flashback... When we last flashed back, I told you that I'd tell you about tip weights and UV paint. Well, we'd found the overseas manufacturer that we were going to use (Thank Goodness!) and now we were ready to get things rolling. Now, I have to take a moment here to get sappy. Because this whole process was 100% new to the best friend and I, we were so consumed with learning what to do, trusting the experts and funding this venture that we really didn't have the time to sit and reflect. Reflect on what you may ask? (Here comes the sap...) Reflect on how absolutely amazing it was that we were actually working on a dream...a thought that popped into my mind. The best friend asked me one day, "Nikki, why aren't you on the rooftop screaming about how amazing this is?" I replied, "I don't have time to climb onto the rooftop, I have to decide on tips weights and the up charge on UV paint." There was no time to do a happy dance, it was time to WORK! That being said, I want to keep my promise and tell you about our next steps. The final design was done and we were very happy with it. The kind of plastic had been decided upon, the color, the length and width of the Wand, the way the cap would fit and the fact that the logo would be printed right at the spot where the Wand and cap met so that when you pulled the two pieces apart, the "N" would separate into an "M" and "W" (Nikki's Magic Wand)---pure genius on Julie's part.
This portion of the project can only be called "Prototype Land." With the specifications in hand, the overseas manufacturer had everything they needed to make my brain child something you could actually hold in your hand. They went away and started working. We patiently waited, excited for that package to come in the mail. They were working on both the Wand and the packaging so we had an array of goodies coming in the mail. The first prototype came and I feverishly ripped it open. There it was...the Wand. It had a metal shaft, a tip weight that was too high (stiff), and a dull, black finish. The box was too large, the paper was too thin and the color was off. Surprisingly I didn't freak out. I knew this was how the process went....get a prototype, give feedback, tweaks, etc. I will never forget that the inventor of the Dyson vacuum went through more than 5000 prototypes before he got it right so I knew that we would get it JUST the way we wanted it.
I'm going to stop here because this post has gotten lengthy and I don't want you dozing off. :) I will tell you next time about the process to get it right...including a trip that the Wands took all by themselves to Wisconsin! :)
As always, thanks for reading!
Nikki
We have a few other things cooking too. We met with our business consultants over at The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (http://www.entrepreneur.pitt.edu/) and we discussed crafting a sales model that would include having sales reps for NMW. Let me tell you why I am SUPER excited about this and why you should be too. Think about it, you buy a bulk number of Wands (say 110 for $4.75 a piece---$522.50) do you know that by selling the Wands and charging $10 a piece (suggested retail price) you can make $1100!!!! How many other ways can you earn that kind of return on your money? It's a Win Win! You are selling people something that will help them solve a problem, save THEM money, and look beautiful in their bags, while YOU more than double your money. As we were brainstorming, I threw out the name, "Magic Money Maker." What do you think of that name? Seriously, I want to know.
We are also VERY excited about having an intern work with us this summer. There is nothing like fresh ideas and different ways of seeing things. This is how dreams come true. Collaboration and hard work!
One last update before I get into a flashback. Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending an event with my mother-in-law. Every few months, her group, the Grandmothers of Pearls, meet and get together to eat, socialize and have a speaker, movie night, etc. Well, I was honored to be invited to their gathering yesterday and told them all about Nikki's Magic Wand. These dear, kind grandmothers bought 21 Wands in 10 short minutes! I was so thankful for their support but also for the confirmation that this product is for EVERYONE!
Time for a flashback... When we last flashed back, I told you that I'd tell you about tip weights and UV paint. Well, we'd found the overseas manufacturer that we were going to use (Thank Goodness!) and now we were ready to get things rolling. Now, I have to take a moment here to get sappy. Because this whole process was 100% new to the best friend and I, we were so consumed with learning what to do, trusting the experts and funding this venture that we really didn't have the time to sit and reflect. Reflect on what you may ask? (Here comes the sap...) Reflect on how absolutely amazing it was that we were actually working on a dream...a thought that popped into my mind. The best friend asked me one day, "Nikki, why aren't you on the rooftop screaming about how amazing this is?" I replied, "I don't have time to climb onto the rooftop, I have to decide on tips weights and the up charge on UV paint." There was no time to do a happy dance, it was time to WORK! That being said, I want to keep my promise and tell you about our next steps. The final design was done and we were very happy with it. The kind of plastic had been decided upon, the color, the length and width of the Wand, the way the cap would fit and the fact that the logo would be printed right at the spot where the Wand and cap met so that when you pulled the two pieces apart, the "N" would separate into an "M" and "W" (Nikki's Magic Wand)---pure genius on Julie's part.
This portion of the project can only be called "Prototype Land." With the specifications in hand, the overseas manufacturer had everything they needed to make my brain child something you could actually hold in your hand. They went away and started working. We patiently waited, excited for that package to come in the mail. They were working on both the Wand and the packaging so we had an array of goodies coming in the mail. The first prototype came and I feverishly ripped it open. There it was...the Wand. It had a metal shaft, a tip weight that was too high (stiff), and a dull, black finish. The box was too large, the paper was too thin and the color was off. Surprisingly I didn't freak out. I knew this was how the process went....get a prototype, give feedback, tweaks, etc. I will never forget that the inventor of the Dyson vacuum went through more than 5000 prototypes before he got it right so I knew that we would get it JUST the way we wanted it.
I'm going to stop here because this post has gotten lengthy and I don't want you dozing off. :) I will tell you next time about the process to get it right...including a trip that the Wands took all by themselves to Wisconsin! :)
As always, thanks for reading!
Nikki
Monday, April 1, 2013
Wands in the White House!!!!
Hi Friends! Happy April Fool's Day! No tricks for you today, only treats (oh wait, that's Halloween:)). It's been a little while since we chatted and it's time we get caught up. As we had hoped, not only did we start March with a roar, we ended it that way as well and let me tell you how. The internet is such a regular part of our lives that we rarely think of its power, that is until you find yourself growing a business and are focused on what it can do for you. We've been using Facebook, Twitter, our own nikkismagicwand.com site, (with Instagram and Pinterest to come) and Youtube to a very small degree. Boy did we get a lesson in Youtube and its marketing power the last week of March! In February, we had a campaign where we asked friends to pass along Wands to make-up artists for their use and hopefully to spread the word of their eternal love for the tool. Well, a Wand landed in the manicured hands of Tracy, of Stellar Visage. This beauty shared that she not only loved our Wand but planned to shoot a video giving her expert opinion of it. We couldn't wait to see the finished product and let me tell you something, it is a FABULOUS video! I am going to attach it here so you can see its loveliness.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww4GBIz1aAY
See, I told you it was awesome! :) Ms. Tracy, the star of the video, posted it everywhere and guess what happened???? Wands started to fly off the shelves!!!! Want to see? Wands are headed all over the country!
Oh there's more to share. In December, when we launched, a dear friend from high school told me that she is friends with the Biden family and it was her personal mission to get the Wands into the White House. Well, she told me a few days ago that she has passed Wands off to the Bidens, who have also passed one to Michelle Obama!!!!!!!! *Happy Dance* I can't fully express to you what that was like for me to read. Amazing! We got the sweetest message from Sara Biden who said she loved her Wand and that she was going to continue to spread the word. Yippee! So, just like the faces that Tracy from the video paints, March was STELLAR!!!
We have just hired a Digital Media Consultant who will assist us in growing our web presence, with the sole plan of spreading the word of Nikki's Magic Wand FAR and WIDE. Look out for us on Instagram and Pinterest VERY soon!
I know I promised a flashback this time but I had so many late breaking, awesome things to tell you and I never want you to be bored reading so I'll stop here.
As always, this 9 to 5 chick is thankful that you keep reading. This journey twists and turns each day and I'm SO glad you're along for the ride.
Nikki
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww4GBIz1aAY
See, I told you it was awesome! :) Ms. Tracy, the star of the video, posted it everywhere and guess what happened???? Wands started to fly off the shelves!!!! Want to see? Wands are headed all over the country!
Oh there's more to share. In December, when we launched, a dear friend from high school told me that she is friends with the Biden family and it was her personal mission to get the Wands into the White House. Well, she told me a few days ago that she has passed Wands off to the Bidens, who have also passed one to Michelle Obama!!!!!!!! *Happy Dance* I can't fully express to you what that was like for me to read. Amazing! We got the sweetest message from Sara Biden who said she loved her Wand and that she was going to continue to spread the word. Yippee! So, just like the faces that Tracy from the video paints, March was STELLAR!!!
We have just hired a Digital Media Consultant who will assist us in growing our web presence, with the sole plan of spreading the word of Nikki's Magic Wand FAR and WIDE. Look out for us on Instagram and Pinterest VERY soon!
I know I promised a flashback this time but I had so many late breaking, awesome things to tell you and I never want you to be bored reading so I'll stop here.
As always, this 9 to 5 chick is thankful that you keep reading. This journey twists and turns each day and I'm SO glad you're along for the ride.
Nikki
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